From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the city will collect any hazardous waste at the city complex at 1010 High St. W. Any unwanted items such as solvents, cleaners, batteries, vehicle oil or anything else lying around the house can be dropped off during this time at no cost.

The day is an opportunity to dispose of hazardous waste in an environmentally responsible way. While thoughts about the election are likely milling around in many people’s minds, hazardous waste day might be overlooked.

However, it is a valuable chance to get rid of those items someone would normally take to the landfill. Afterward, the items will be taken to proper locations such as businesses accepting those items for use. Plus it’s a way for people to be environmentally responsible at the same time.

If someone doesn’t have a use for hazardous items, sure they could be taken to the landfill at a cost. So there is no harm in taking it somewhere at no cost for similar purposes.

The city has made the day an annual event and rightly so. The city does not have a curbside recycling program, but has taken baby steps toward that goal. Hazardous waste day could be called a ‘green’ initiative and it isn’t difficult to head over there to quickly drop something off.

The city has asked people come on time, which isn’t too much to ask. There is no reason to come late with such a large window, unless someone is out of town, of course.

It’s easy to take from the environment. It’s time to give back. So if possible, make a point to come down to the city complex on Saturday and get rid of some of those hazardous items sitting uselessly around the house.